1st Bald Eagle Egg Hatches At Duke Farms In Hillsborough

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The first of two bald eagle eggs for 2023 has hatched at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.

The first egg hatched on Monday morning. Locals can catch a glimpse of the new chick and the bald eagle parents, by watching the Dukes Farms camera live at dukefarms.org/eaglecam.

"The first hatching is always the most exciting time of the year for observers of the Duke Farms Eagle Camera. In fact, many school teachers create a friendly competition for their classes and award a prize to the student who guesses the closest hatching date. More importantly, this signifies the continued success of this nest for nearly 20 years where 29 young eagles have been raised and fledged," said Thom Almendinger, Duke Farms' Director of Natural Resources & Agroecology.

The first egg was laid on Jan. 20 at 4:08 p.m., according to Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ. The second egg was laid on Jan. 23 around 2:20 p.m.

Now the egg timer remains for the second egg. The next egg should hatch within the next 3 days or so (it was laid 3 days after the first) unless it is not viable, said Almendinger.

The chicks will then most likely fledge, or become capable of flying, by the middle of May.

To learn more about the Eagle Cam or to watch visit dukefarms.org/eagle-cam.

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